What is the Master Code?

The Master Code, originally registered in November 2018, serves as a vital general code for the entire heavy vehicle industry. It is an authoritative source of information concerning safety in heavy vehicle transport, with guidance about managing major hazards, focusing on speed, fatigue, vehicle safety, mass, dimension and loading.

It assists businesses to understand their responsibilities, improve safety practices and meet their primary duty under the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL).

Why is the Master Code being reviewed?

The review builds upon the code’s authoritative foundation, ensuring it remains a current and reliable source of information for managing transport risks and duties under the HVNL. The review aims to enhance and modernise the existing content of this widely used safety resource. It's a significant opportunity to build upon the industry-wide consultation and feedback that produced the 2018 code, and to provide more practical information that will assist all CoR parties review and improve their practices.

Who is involved in the Master Code Review?

The review is a collaborative process involving extensive input from a diverse range of stakeholders and industry participants. The NHVR is actively seeking external perspectives from all parties in the CoR, including off-road parties, to ensure the updated Code is comprehensive and relevant.

How can I be involved?

The NHVR will publish a draft of the Code on our website for six weeks from 11 August for public feedback. Interested stakeholders are invited to view the draft and provide written feedback to the codes team for analysis and consideration. Information about how you can do this is available on the Master Code of Practice consultation webpage.

When will the updated Master Code be registered?

Subject to endorsement, the goal is for the Code to be registered in November 2025.

How will the updated Master Code differ from the 2018 version?

The updated code will broaden its scope to encompass a wider range of hazards and risks by adopting an activity-based structure, whereas the 2018 Code focused on specific risk areas like speed or fatigue. The revised code also includes content for sectors such as buses and container transport that were not specifically addressed in the original.

How will the activity-based structure make the Code easier to use?

The activity-based structure organises guidance around the full range of transport activities from recruitment to vehicle procurement to premises management, rather than defined party roles. This should make it easier for users of the code to find information relevant to their own practices, and to consider opportunities that other businesses may have to improve safety.

Will the review consider emerging industry issues and technology?

Yes. The updated Code will take into account developments in technology, evolving industry practices, and current regulatory expectations, as well as insights gained from recent experiences. The draft has been shaped through extensive formal and informal consultation with industry and reflects feedback received to date.

Will other registered industry codes be affected by this review?

No. Other registered codes will remain in place and relevant to their sectors. However, the updated Master Code will complement and align with them where appropriate.

Do I have to comply with the Master Code?

The Master Code does not create new legal obligations or replace existing HVNL requirements. It does provide comprehensive guidance to parties in the CoR but it is not a compliance manual for the HVNL or any other law.

The main purpose of the code is to assist CoR parties to manage safety. It may also be used by a court as evidence in relation to a breach of the primary duty or the executive duty. Its content may show what CoR parties and executives know, or ought to know, about hazards, risks, risk assessments and controls relevant to the safe use of heavy vehicles, which is relevant to determining what is reasonably practicable.

Will the HVNL review affect the Master Code?

No. The Master Code is targeted at requirements for fulfilling the primary duty and the executive duty. Neither of those duties is subject to change in the HVNL review process. Some anticipated changes, such as obligations around fitness to drive, were already addressed in the 2018 Master Code, and have been further enhanced in this version.

Can smaller operators benefit from the updated Master Code?

Absolutely. The parts of the code aimed at heavy vehicle operators, are relevant to all operators, from large national fleets to small, family-run businesses. Some controls may not be reasonably practicable for smaller businesses or owner operators, but the code includes scalable recommendations and practical examples that can be applied regardless of business size or resources.

While the code is written mainly for businesses, employed drivers can also benefit by seeing examples of good practice, and learning what they should expect from consignors, consignees and loading managers, and what support they should receive from their employer.

How can I prepare for the changes now?

Businesses can start by familiarising themselves with the consultation draft to identify whether there are gaps in their own systems for managing safety. A good starting point is the overview of hazards and risks which starts discussions about the adequacy of existing controls. Starting with the most serious risks, businesses can consider whether there are opportunities to improve their own systems, by implementing controls recommended in the revised draft.

Where can I get a copy of the Master Code?

The current Master Code, along with other Registered Industry Codes of Practice are available for download from the NHVR website.

For more information on the Master Code Review, you can contact the team at codes@nhvr.gov.au.